District of Connecticut
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
New Haven Man Sentenced to 9 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking NarcoticsRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JEFFREY BENTON, also known as “Fresh,” 29, of New Haven, was sentenced on Friday, November 21, by Senior U.S. District Judge Ellen Bree Burns in New Haven to 108 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking narcotics.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from “Operation Bloodline,” a joint law enforcement investigation targeting narcotics trafficking and gang violence in the Dwight-Kensington and Fair Haven sections of New Haven. Led by the DEA New Haven Task Force and the New Haven and Hamden Police Departments, the year-long investigation included the use of court-authorized wiretaps on numerous telephones, extensive physical surveillance, controlled purchases of narcotics, execution of search warrants, and seizures of narcotics and firearms. More than 100 individuals were charged as a result of the investigation.
The investigation revealed that Kevin Wilson, also known as “Nature,” operated a large-scale drug trafficking operation in the greater New Haven area. Intercepted communications revealed that BENTON obtained heroin from Wilson and distributed the drug in the Dwight/Chapel area.
BENTON was arrested on May 17, 2012, at a location on Orchard Street in New Haven. Officers searched the location and recovered approximately 100 grams of cocaine, one gram of crack cocaine, a digital scale, drug packaging materials and $5,536, including three counterfeit $100 bills. The search also revealed four firearms. Three of the firearms were loaded, one with an extended magazine, and one that was equipped with a laser sight.
BENTON has been detained since his arrest. On August 30, 2013, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 100 grams or more of heroin.
BENTON’s criminal history includes four prior felony convictions, three for drug offenses and one for a firearm offense.
Wilson has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, Branford, Ansonia and Meriden Police Departments. The United States Marshals Service, the Connecticut State Police, the Connecticut Department of Correction, Parole and Community Services and the Milford, Hartford, New Britain, North Branford and Stratford Police Departments have provided valuable assistance to the investigation.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys S. Dave Vatti and Marc Silverman.
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[email protected]Indictment Charges Norwich Man with Assaulting Federal Officers at Naval Submarine Base in GrotonRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment today charging GARY RAY BRUNACHE, 35, of Norwich, with assaulting two federal law enforcement officers.
The indictment alleges that, on November 13, 2014, BRUNACHE assaulted two Department of Defense Police Officers at the Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton. During the assault, BRUNACHE brandished a knife and stabbed one of the officers in the leg.
BRUNACHE is charged with two counts of assaulting a federal officer. If convicted, he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years for each count.
BRUNACHE has been detained since his arrest on November 13.
U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being investigated by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Connecticut State Police, Town of Groton Police Department and Norwich Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gabriel J. Vidoni.
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[email protected]Bristol Man Sentenced to More Than 5 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WAYNE EVANGELISTA, also known as “Wayne Nance,” 36, of Bristol, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. Judge Warren W. Eginton in Bridgeport to 63 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing firearms.
According to court documents and statements made in court, prior to March 2011, EVANGELISTA had been convicted of multiple felony offenses in Connecticut state court and federal court in Connecticut, including criminal possession of a firearm (twice), third degree burglary, second degree forgery, bank fraud, and both first and second degree larceny.
It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
In March 2011, EVANGELISTA convinced another individual, who had a valid firearms permit, that he was a Bail Enforcement Agent. In March and April 2011, EVANGELISTA persuaded the individual to purchase a .40 caliber pistol and a .380 caliber pistol on his behalf, and EVANGELISTA took possession of the firearms after they were purchased. Also in April 2011, EVANGELISTA possessed a 9mm pistol that he cleaned for the same individual who had purchased the other two firearms for him.
EVANGELISTA has been detained since his arrest on March 15, 2012. On April 5, 2013, he pleaded guilty to three counts of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.
This matter was investigated by the Connecticut State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Spector.
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[email protected]Meriden Man Who Stole Social Security Disability Benefits, Filed False Tax Returns, Is SentencedRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSEPH LUCA, 68, of Meriden, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to four years of probation, the first six months of which LUCA must spend in home confinement with electronic monitoring, for stealing Social Security benefits and filing false tax returns. LUCA also was ordered to perform 80 hours of community service.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in April 1993, LUCA applied for Social Security Disability Insurance (“SSDI”) claiming that he was disabled and unable to work. From January 2002 through April 2011, LUCA regularly reported to the Social Security Administration, under the penalty of perjury, that he remained unable to work and he reported no earned income. In fact, during this time, LUCA earned more than $1,000 per month from his work as a hairdresser at a beauty salon he owned and operated. LUCA was not entitled to SSDI payments during this entire period because his earnings exceeded the SSA monthly substantial gainful activity limit.
An undercover investigation revealed that LUCA typically opened his beauty salon in the morning from Tuesday to Saturday each week, cut and styled his clients’ hair throughout the day in exchange for payment, and then locked up the salon at night. Throughout the day, he stood while he worked without the assistance of a cane or similar device, and also carried and lifted items using his body and arms. During the investigation, LUCA told an undercover agent who was posing as a client that he had been styling hair for 45 years.
Based on LUCA’s false representations that he was disabled, unable to work, and reported no income, the Social Security Administration paid him, as well as his children as auxiliary beneficiaries, a total of $122,332 that he and his children were not entitled to receive.
In May 2011, the Social Security Administration terminated LUCA’s SSDI benefit payments.
LUCA also willfully signed and filed federal tax returns for the 2006 through 2009 tax years that failed to report a total of more $675,000 in additional taxable income. On each of these four tax returns, LUCA reported a loss and no tax due. The investigation determined that LUCA did not report his receipt of income from various sources, including rental real estate, work as a private investigator, interest on bank accounts, SSDI payments he was not entitled to receive, and capital gains on rental properties.
On his 2006 federal tax return alone, LUCA failed to report approximately $299,674 in additional income, with a tax due in the amount of $36,687.
Judge Shea ordered LUCA to pay $122,332 in restitution to the Social Security Administration, and $64,093 in back taxes, plus penalties and interest.
On July 11, 2014, LUCA waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty to one count of stealing government money and one count of filing a false federal tax return.
This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General – Office of Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter S. Jongbloed.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Insurance Agency Owner Arrested, Charged with Defrauding Multiple Victims of $1.5 MillionRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that EARL O’GARRO, JR., 31, of Marlborough, was arrested today on an indictment alleging that he defrauded multiple victims of a total of approximately $1.5 million. Yesterday, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned the indictment, which charges O’GARRO with one count of wire fraud.
O’GARRO appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford and entered a plea of not guilty. He was released on a $500,000 bond.
According to the indictment, O’GARRO was the President, Chief Executive Officer and an owner of Hartford-based Hybrid Insurance Agency, LLC, doing business as Hybrid Insurance Group (“Hybrid”), an insurance brokerage specializing in placing wholesale and specialty line insurance products. In January 2012, O’GARRO, on behalf of Hybrid, submitted an application to the State of Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (“DECD”) pursuant to the Small Business Express loan and grant program. The purpose of the application was to secure a Small Business Express loan in the amount of $100,000 and a Small Business Express grant in the amount of $26,320. It is alleged that O’GARRO provided false and misleading information concerning Hybrid’s financial condition on the application. In particular, O’GARRO falsely inflated the value of Hybrid’s cash assets in order to increase the likelihood that his application would be approved for the amount of funds he sought. Based in part on the false statements contained in O’GARRO’s application and a subsequent formal agreement, DECD approved Hybrid’s Small Business Express application and awarded Hybrid a Small Business Express loan in the amount of $100,000 and $26,320 matching grant.
The indictment further alleges that, in July 2013, O’GARRO sent a series of electronic communications to a company that administers the payment of premiums on behalf of insured entities (“Victim 1”). In the communications, O’GARRO falsely claimed that he was an officer and underwriter for an insurance company (“Insurance Company 1”) with authority to direct Victim 1 to release premium payments. Acting in his assumed capacity, O’GARRO directed Victim 1 to remit to Hybrid premium payments for policies associated with four corporate entities purportedly insured by Insurance Company 1. Three of the four companies, Blaque Rock Capital LLP d/b/a Us Restaurant, Marlbro’s Restaurant Group LLP d/b/a Us Restaurant, and Epplied Staffing Solutions LLC, were registered with the Connecticut Secretary of State and associated with O’GARRO. The fourth company, D&D Moving Company, was not registered with the Connecticut Secretary of State, but was utilized by O’GARRO as a repository for fraudulently obtained funds. In fact, Insurance Company 1 had not issued any policies for any of these entities. In response to the fraudulent communications created by O’GARRO, Victim 1 remitted approximately $691,266.75 to Hybrid, which O’GARRO then converted to his own use.
Hybrid was a wholesale broker for certain insurance policies held by the City of Hartford. The indictment further alleges that, in July 2013, O’GARRO directed the city to transfer $868,244 to Hybrid. Of that sum, $441,900 constituted a premium payment to an insurance company offering excess liability insurance policies and $228,097 constituted a premium payment to a second insurer. O’GARRO did not remit either of the premium payments, and instead converted the money to his own use. O’GARRO subsequently advised the city that the premium payments had been remitted to the insurers.
If convicted of wire fraud, O’GARRO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Daly stated that the investigation is ongoing.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher M. Mattei.
The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Four Litchfield County Residents Charged and Arrested for String of Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and William P. Offord, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned a seven-count indictment yesterday charging RYAN GEDDES, 41, of Litchfield, JASON CALABRESE, 43, of Watertown, RICHARD GEDDES, 41, of Bethlehem, and DUSTIN WHITTEN, 31, of Thomaston, with multiple conspiracies involving bank fraud, mail and wire fraud, bankruptcy fraud and obstruction of justice. The charges stem from an alleged series of fraudulent real estate and insurance transactions, and an alleged arson of a vacation home.
The four defendants were arrested this morning. They appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joan G. Margolis in New Haven and were released on bonds of varying amounts.
According to the indictment, by 2005, RYAN GEDDES had incurred several debts, including a business debt of more than $490,000 for which he was being sued. GEDDES and the other defendants then commenced a series of schemes to conceal GEDDES’s assets from creditors and to defraud various banks and insurance companies.
The indictment alleges that from 2005 through 2007, GEDDES, CALABRESE, and others prepared a series of three false mortgage loan and mortgage refinancing applications with respect to properties located at 27 Palmer Road in Morris and 669 Goshen Road in Torrington. The first transaction sought to conceal GEDDES’s ownership of the 27 Palmer Road property. The indictment further alleges that when GEDDES and others learned in 2010 of the federal investigation, they created a false, backdated document and gave it to the investigating agents in an effort to portray the first 27 Palmer Road mortgage transaction as legitimate. The indictment charges GEDDES and CALABRESE with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and GEDDES with one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice related to this scheme.
The indictment also alleges that GEDDES and others conducted a straw sale of another GEDDES property in 2010 from which they obtained title insurance after conducting a fraudulent title search. Because the search deliberately omitted to list almost a million dollars of liens against the property, the conspirators intended to plan an event that would trigger a new title search, resulting in discovery of the omitted liens, the filing of a title insurance claim, and a nearly million dollar insurance payout to the straw owner for the fraudulently omitted liens. For this scheme, GEDDES is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud.
The indictment further alleges that RYAN GEDDES and his brother, RICHARD GEDDES, conspired to commit bankruptcy fraud in 2010, based on the paper transfer of a home owned by RYAN GEDDES to RICHARD GEDDES, soon followed by RYAN GEDDES’s filing a bankruptcy petition in which he claimed not to own any real property. RYAN GEDDES also is charged with bankruptcy false statements for those acts.
Finally, RYAN GEDDES and WHITTEN are charged with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, based on the paper transfer to WHITTEN of a New York vacation home property owned by GEDDES, the procurement of an insurance policy on the home in WHITTEN’s name, and the alleged arson of the home, followed by WHITTEN’s filing an insurance claim of more than $600,000 on the destroyed home.
If convicted, RYAN GEDDES faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 90 years, CALABRESE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years, RICHARD GEDDES faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, and WHITTEN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Henry Kopel and Michael Gustafson.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Fairfield Man Who Purchased Tableting Machine to Produce Oxycodone Pills Is SentencedRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAVID WOLVOVSKY, 31, of Fairfield, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to four years of probation, the first six months of which WOLVOVSKY must spend in home confinement, for illegally importing a tablet machine to produce oxycodone pills. Judge Underhill also ordered WOLVOVSKY to pay a fine of $2,000, forfeit $21,034 in cash that was seized at the time of his arrest, and perform 100 hours of community service.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 23, 2013, WOLVOVSKY was arrested after he received delivery of a package containing a tableting machine that had been ordered from China and delivered to his residence. On that date, WOLVOVSKY stated to investigators that he purchased the machine through an individual he had met on the Internet, and that he had also purchased what he had believed to be a large quantity oxycodone powder from the same individual. WOLVOVSKY then stated that, before the machine had arrived, he had tested the powder and determined that it was not true oxycodone powder. A subsequent search of WOLVOVSKY’s residence revealed a package containing approximately one kilogram of the fake oxycodone powder. The search also revealed opiate test kits, packaging materials, tablet dying/imprinting machinery and $21,034 in cash.
On July 24, 2014, WOLVOVSKY waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty to one count of unlawfully importing a tableting machine.
This matter is being investigated by the DEA New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
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[email protected]Connecticut U.S. Attorney's Office Recovers $112 Million for U.S. Taxpayers in Fiscal Year 2014Read the Press Release
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U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly today announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut collected $112,723,252.62 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2014. Of this amount, $95,214,056.17 was collected in criminal actions and $17,509,196.45 was collected in civil actions.
Further, the District of Connecticut, working with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice, collected an additional $174,020,651.35 in cases pursued jointly with these offices. Of this amount $150,068,294.28 was collected in criminal actions and $23,952,357.07 was collected in civil actions.Attorney General Eric Holder announced on Wednesday that the Justice Department collected $24.7 billion in civil and criminal actions in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2014.
The more than $24 billion in collections in FY 2014 represents over eight times the appropriated $2.91 billion budget for the 94 U.S. Attorney’s offices and the main litigating divisions in that same period.
“Every day, the Justice Department’s federal prosecutors and trial attorneys work hard to protect our citizens, to safeguard precious taxpayer resources, and to provide a valuable return on investment to the American people,” said Attorney General Holder. “Their diligent efforts are enabling us to achieve justice and recoup losses in virtually every sector of the U.S. economy. And this result shows the fruits of the Justice Department’s tireless work in enforcing federal laws; in protecting the American people from violent crime, national security threats, discrimination, exploitation, and abuse; and in holding financial institutions accountable for their roles in causing the 2008 financial crisis.”
“This past fiscal year, our Office’s dedicated and talented attorneys and staff helped to recover over $286 million which will be returned to the public, and most importantly, to the victims of crime,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “For the District of Connecticut, this unprecedented amount of recovered money exceeds our Office’s yearly budget by approximately 13 times. We are gratified that these funds are returned directly to victims of crime, provide needed services for these victims and fund ongoing federal, state and local law enforcement efforts. One of our primary missions is to seek justice for victims, remove ill-gotten gains from wrongdoers and protect the integrity of important government programs.”
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims’ Fund, which distributes the funds to state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
The largest civil collections were from affirmative civil enforcement cases, in which the United States recovered government money lost to fraud or other misconduct or collected fines imposed on individuals and/or corporations for violations of federal health, safety, civil rights or environmental laws. In addition, civil debts were collected on behalf of several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Internal Revenue Service, Small Business Administration and Department of Education.
FY 2014 criminal recoveries in Connecticut include a fine payment of approximately $88 million by Japan-based Marubeni Corporation, which was convicted of participating in a scheme to pay bribes to high-ranking government officials in Indonesia to secure a lucrative power project, and a payment of approximately $9.8 million by New York-based investment bank and broker-dealer Jeffries LLC as part of a non-prosecution agreement relating to Jefferies’ improper trading in residential mortgage-backed securities. The largest civil recovery in Connecticut occurred last March when Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation of Stratford paid $3.5 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act arising from the submission of inflated costs in the pricing of helicopter spare parts.
The District of Connecticut also participated with the Justice Department and other Districts to recover approximately $150 million from UBS Securities Japan Co. Ltd. and RBS Securities Japan Ltd., both of which were involved in a long-running manipulation of LIBOR bench mark interest rates, and approximately $22 million from Wellcare Health Plans, Inc., as part of a civil settlement to resolve false claims to Medicare and various Medicaid programs.
In addition, the U.S. Attorney’s office in Connecticut, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $2,227,708 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2014. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is charged with enforcing federal criminal laws in Connecticut, and with representing the federal government in civil litigation in the District. The District is composed of approximately 64 Assistant U.S. Attorneys and approximately 60 staff members at offices in New Haven, Hartford and Bridgeport.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Woodstock Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RYAN HARDING, 29, of Woodstock, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between July 16, 2013 and October 30, 2013, HARDING received images and videos of child pornography that he downloaded from individuals via the Internet using a peer-to-peer file sharing program. During a search of the residence on October 30, 2013, law enforcement officers seized computers and a thumb drive. Forensic analysis of HARDING’s computers and thumb drive revealed more than 600 image files and videos of child pornography. He also possessed images of a partially naked 13-year old boy that he knew.
Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for March 13, 2015, at which time HARDING faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years, a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years and a fine of up to $250,000.
Since his arrest on November 26, 2013, HARDING has been released on a bond and placed on home confinement with GPS monitoring.
This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Connecticut State Police Computer Crimes Unit. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Hamden Woman Admits Stealing Deceased Mother’s Social Security Benefits for Nearly 30 YearsRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SANDRA KIMBRO, 66, of Hamden, waived her right to indictment and pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of theft of public funds.
According to court documents and statements made in court, KIMBRO’s mother, a Social Security benefits recipient, died in 1984. At the time of her death, KIMBRO and her mother had a jointly-held bank account into which the mother’s monthly Social Security benefits were deposited. Between April 1984 and February 2014, KIMBRO illegally obtained $160,457 in Social Security benefits that had been deposited into the account for her mother’s use. Through the years, as she withdrew money from the bank account, KIMBRO described to bank employees how she was providing care to her mother.
KIMBRO is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford on February 11, 2015, at which time she faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, a fine of up to $250,000 and an order of restitution.
This matter is being investigated by the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General – Office of Investigations, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
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[email protected]Fairfield Resident Sentenced to Federal Prison for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROBERT JOSEPH PARKER, 52, of Fairfield, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for tax evasion.
According to court documents and statements made in court, PARKER earned income by providing information technology services to various businesses. Between 1996 and 2012, PARKER did not pay any federal income tax on approximately $2 million of income he received in his own name, and in the name of his alter ego entity known as Success Zone, LLC.
As part of his sentence, PARKER was ordered to pay $1,869,419 in taxes, interest and penalties for himself personally for tax years 1996 through 2012, and for Success Zone, LLC, for tax years 2003 through 2012.
On March 5, 2014, PARKER waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and was prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel Richard J. Schechter.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]New London Woman Sentenced to 46 Months in Federal Prison for Distributing HeroinRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that HEATHER RANGHELLI, also known as “Barbie,” 24, of New London, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 46 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in early 2012, Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), the U.S. Secret Service and the New London Police Department initiated an investigation to combat the large-scale trafficking of heroin and cocaine from the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico into and around southeastern Connecticut. The investigation revealed that Luis Ariel Capellan Maldonado received heroin from a Dominican-based source of supply through New York and then distributed the drug to his own customer base in and around New London.
During the course of the investigation, Cruz “Jay” Bonilla was identified as a heroin and cocaine customer of Luis Ariel Capellan Maldonado and Enrique Luciano. When Bonilla was incarcerated on parole charges with the state, he made arrangements from prison to have RANGHELLI, his girlfriend, take over his heroin distribution activities. RANGHELLI, who used Bonilla’s cell phone to sell heroin to Bonilla’s customers, regularly obtained 10 to 30 grams of heroin, first from Luciano and then directly from Capellan Maldonado.
More than 100 individuals were charged with federal and state offenses as a result of this investigation.
RANGHELLI was arrested on April 4, 2013. On December 13, 2013, she pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute heroin. She has been detained since June 20, 2014, when her bond was revoked.Bonilla, Capellan Maldonado and Luciano all pleaded guilty and are serving prison terms.
This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations; U.S. Secret Service; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Air and Marine; Connecticut State Police; New London Police Department, Norwich Police Department, Waterford Police Department, Groton Town Police Department, East Lyme Police Department and Putnam Police Department. The United States Marshals Service; ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations; Drug Enforcement Administration; HSI Assistant Attaché, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; HSI Arecibo, Puerto Rico Resident Office; Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation; Connecticut Department of Correction, Parole and Community Services; and the Groton City, Willimantic, New Haven and Bristol Police Departments have provided valuable assistance to the investigation.
The federal cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alina P. Reynolds, Sarah P. Karwan and Henry K. Kopel. The state cases are being prosecuted by the State’s Attorney for the New London Judicial District and Senior Assistant State’s Attorneys Paul Narducci and Stephen Carney.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Former Naugatuck Resident Sentenced to 57 Months for Illegally Obtaining and Selling Prescription NarcoticsRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JESSE KAPLAN, 31, formerly of Naugatuck, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Ellen Bree Burns in New Haven to 57 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally obtaining and distributing prescription narcotics.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in May 2012, the Drug Enforcement Administration began an investigation into the filling of fraudulent prescriptions for oxycodone at pharmacies in Connecticut and New York through the use of fraudulent identifications. The investigation revealed that KAPLAN and a co-defendant traveled to pharmacies together and used multiple aliases to fraudulently fill prescriptions for oxycodone and hydromorphone. They then pooled, traded or shared their pills for further distribution.
On August 8, 2013, KAPLAN was arrested by Naugatuck Police as a result of his alleged participation in a home invasion in Torrington. The incident followed an attempted sale of 60 oxycodone 30mg pills in exchange for $1,000 at the residence. According to pharmaceutical records and video surveillance, just hours before this attempted drug transaction, KAPLAN filled a prescription at a pharmacy under the alias “Sean Mullin” for 60 oxycodone 30mg pills. When Naugatuck police officers arrested KAPLAN, they located seven New York State driver’s licenses, all depicting KAPLAN’s photo with different identifying information.
KAPLAN was arrested on federal charges on December 20, 2013. On August 12, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute oxycodone.
This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Diversion Squad and the Greenwich and Naugatuck Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vanessa Richards.
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[email protected]Former Farmington Private School Teacher Pleads Guilty to Federal Child Pornography OffenseRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSEPH RAJKUMAR, 44, formerly of Farmington, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of attempted receipt of child pornography. The charge stems from RAJKUMAR’s sexual relationship with a student while he was a teacher at Miss Porter’s School in Farmington.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in approximately April 2011, RAJKUMAR, who was a science teacher and advisor to the Science Olympiad team at Miss Porter’s School, befriended a minor female victim who was a student at the school. Before the victim left the school for summer break in June 2011, RAJKUMAR pressured her to create an anonymous email account that did not contain her name, which she eventually did. RAJKUMAR had already created an anonymous email account for his own use, in violation of the school’s policy that teachers and students should communicate via email only through a school-sponsored website. Through the email accounts, RAJKUMAR and the victim frequently engaged in video chats and, during the chats, RAJKUMAR made multiple attempts to get the victim to remove her shirt. The victim initially resisted, but eventually succumbed to RAJKUMAR’s advances and exposed her chest to him through the video chat.
Beginning in approximately November 2011, RAJKUMAR and the victim engaged in a sexual relationship that lasted several months. The investigation revealed evidence of numerous video chats that took place through at least April 2012. In the chats, RAJKUMAR frequently made lascivious comments to the victim and pressured her to expose herself.
The investigation further revealed that RAJKUMAR had also begun to harass other young girls at the school in person and through text messages. He told one female student via text message that she looked “hot” in the pants she was wearing at a school event and told another that she should create an anonymous email account so that they could do “naughty things” that were “secret.” In total, RAJKUMAR corresponded with at least six victims, including the one victim with whom he eventually had sexual intercourse. RAJKUMAR asked at least one of the other victims to start a physical relationship with him.
RAJKUMAR is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on February 6, 2015, at which time he faces a minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
RAJKUMAR previously pleaded guilty in state court to sexual assault in the second degree and, in January 2014, was sentenced to 10 years of incarceration, execution suspended after 18 months, and 10 years of probation. He currently is in state custody.
This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with the assistance of the Farmington Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarala V. Nagala
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[email protected]Ansonia Man Charged with Making False Report of Police Brutality to the FbiRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that EDWARD MINERLY, 52, of Ansonia, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of making a false report of police brutality to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 18, 2013, officers with the Derby Police Department arrested MINERLY on an outstanding probation violation warrant. On May 31, 2013, MINERLY called the New Haven Federal Bureau of Investigation and spoke with an FBI special agent. In the call, MINERLY alleged that Derby Police officers had recently arrested him for a probation violation and, upon placing him in a holding cell, commenced taunting him, subjecting him to flashing lights and tipping him backwards out of his wheelchair. MINERLY also alleged that Derby Police officers kicked him in the head, arms and upper body.
On June 6, 2013, an FBI special agent interviewed MINERLY in person at a Bridgeport hospital where MINERLY had been admitted. MINERLY again made allegations similar to those made on May 31, 2013, namely, that Derby Police officers had arrested him and, after placing him in a holding cell, picked him out of his wheelchair, threw him into a wall, flashed the lights on and off, and kicked him in the head and beat him.
In pleading guilty today, MINERLY admitted that the statements he made to the FBI alleging physical abuse by members of the Derby Police Department after his probation violation arrest were false.
“The Department of Justice is committed to investigating and prosecuting civil rights abuses by members of law enforcement,” stated U.S. Attorney Daly. “We are equally committed to prosecuting false reports of police brutality as these reports not only waste valuable federal law enforcement resources, but they have the potential to indelibly stain the police department and its officers that are unfairly maligned.”MINERLY is scheduled to be sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello on February 10, 2015, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a fine of up to $250,000.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Henry K. Kopel and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson.
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[email protected]New Haven Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JEROME T. WALKER, also known as “Ratchet,” 26, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 14, 2014, officers from the New Haven Police Department conducted a traffic stop of WALKER, who was driving with a suspended license, in the vicinity of Norton Street and Elm Street. After initially pulling over, WALKER accelerated from the scene at high rate of speed. A short time later, New Haven and Hamden Police officers found WALKER’s vehicle parked at a residence on Warner Street in Hamden. Officers then observed WALKER walking in front of the residence and he was placed under arrest. In the vicinity, officers found a duffel bag containing a Smith and Wesson .38 caliber revolver and a set of car keys belonging to the vehicle that WALKER had been driving.
WALKER has previously been convicted of multiple felony offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
WALKER has been detained since his arrest. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson on February 17, 2015, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the New Haven Police Department and the Hamden Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony Kaplan and Jennifer Laraia.
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[email protected]Man Sentenced to 18 Months in Federal Prison for Defrauding Fema After Massachusetts Tornado in 2011Read the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Gregory K. Null, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General, announced that ROBBIE ROSSI, 42, formerly of Massachusetts and Nevada, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for fraudulently obtaining disaster relief funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
According to court documents and statements made in court, a severe storm and tornado outbreak struck central Massachusetts on June 1, 2011. After a Presidential Declaration authorized FEMA to provide disaster relief funds to local residents, ROSSI obtained more than $12,000 in disaster relief benefits by falsely representing that he lived at a residence on New Bridge Street in West Springfield, Mass., that had been damaged by the storm. As part of the scheme, ROSSI provided FEMA with false documentation of rent payments he claimed to have paid in the months following the storm. Between August 2011 and April 2013, ROSSI received payments at various addresses that he supplied to FEMA, including a residence in Enfield, Conn.
ROSSI was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $12,718.60.
ROSSI has been detained since his arrest on January 14, 2014. On June 24, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud.
This matter was investigated by the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security with the assistance of the U.S. Secret Service, Las Vegas Field Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Sheldon.
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[email protected]Norwich Man Charged with Assaulting Federal Officer at Naval Submarine Base in GrotonRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that GARY RAY BRUNACHE, 35, of Norwich, has been charged by criminal complaint with federal assault offenses related to an incident that occurred last night at the Naval Submarine Base in Groton.
As alleged in the criminal complaint, on November 13, 2014, BRUNACHE approached three Department of Defense Police Officers outside of Building 500 at the Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton and proceeded to swing a knife at one of the officers. After failing to comply with warnings from the officer, a second officer sprayed BRUNACHE with pepper spray in an effort to subdue him. BRUNACHE then turned on the second officer and stabbed him in his right thigh area. The first officer fired approximately three rounds from his service pistol at BRUNACHE as BRUNACHE was trying to stab the second officer. BRUNACHE, who was not hit by the rounds, was eventually subdued.
BRUNACHE is charged with assault of a federal officer, a charge that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the U.S., a charge that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. He appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford and is detained pending a detention hearing that is scheduled for November 19 at 12:00 p.m.
U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Connecticut State Police, Town of Groton Police Department and Norwich Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian P. Leaming and Robert M. Spector.
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[email protected]Woodbridge Man Admits Stealing More Than $1 Million from Milford CompanyRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GIOVANNI MASUCCI, also known as John Masucci, 46, of Woodbridge, pleaded guilty today in Bridgeport federal court to one count of wire fraud related to his theft of more than $1 million from a Connecticut company.
According to court documents and statements made in court, MASUCCI operated a financial consulting business in North Haven. As part of his business, he provided financial consulting services to a company located in Milford and had access to the company’s checkbooks and financial ledgers. From approximately September 2011 to February 2014, MASUCCI defrauded the Milford company by diverting company funds to his own bank account. He also wrote checks from the company’s bank account to pay his personal credit card bills and the credit card bills of a personal acquaintance. As part of the scheme, MASUCCI created false entries in the corporate check ledger that falsely indicated the checks were written for legitimate business purposes, and he typically forged the signature of the authorized company representative on the checks. In order to conceal his crime, MASUCCI took the company’s check book.
The investigation revealed that MASUCCI used the stolen funds to pay for domestic and international travel, lodging, and to make purchases at several high-end retailers.
MASUCCI is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer on February 12, 2015, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
This matter is being investigated by the Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force, the United States Secret Service and the Greenwich Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.
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[email protected]New York Woman Admits Role in Business Loan Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that MARIAME ROBINSON-COWAN, 66, of Yonkers, N.Y., waived her right to indictment and pleaded guilty yesterday in New Haven federal court to one count of conspriacy related to her participation in an advance fee fraud scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately March 2010 and October 2014, a co-conspirator of ROBINSON-COWAN’s operated Jalin Realty Capital Advisors, LLC, (Jalin) and American Capital Holdings, LLC, (ACH). Using these businesses, the co-conspirator defrauded individuals, including Connecticut residents, who wired funds to him in anticipation of receiving large business loans. The upfront fees were alternately described as “application fees,” “collateral fees” or “commitment fees.” The victims were promised a refund of the upfront fees if their loan transactions were not completed.
In order to convince victim-borrowers that the loans were legitimate and Jalin and ACH had successfully secured loans in the past, the co-conspirator provided victims and potential victims ROBINSON-COWAN’s name and phone number and told them that they could contact ROBINSON-COWAN for a reference. ROBINSON-COWAN then falsely represented to victims and potential victims that she had, in fact, received funding from her co-conspirator for a construction loan, and that she had successfully done a project financed with her co-conspirator and Jalin.
Through this scheme, the government believes that more than 20 individuals provided ROBINSON-COWAN’s co-conspirator with a total of more than $3 million in advance fees for business loans that were never provided. A few individuals received a partial refund of advance fees they had provided, but the refunds were made using fees that had been paid by other victims.
ROBINSON-COWAN is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton on May 20, 2015, at which time she faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Ansonia Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony Kaplan and Michael McGarry.
Citizens with information that may be helpful to this ongoing investigation are encouraged to contact the FBI at (203) 777-6311.
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[email protected]New Haven Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROMELL BROWN, 36, of New Haven, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Warren W. Eginton in Bridgeport to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for his role in a gang-related narcotics distribution ring.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation conducted by the FBI New Haven Safe Streets Task Force and the New Haven Police Department into drug distribution and related violence allegedly being committed by members and associates of the Grape Street Crips in New Haven. The investigation revealed that BROWN, who is not a member of the Grape Street Crips, regularly supplied cocaine to the leader of organization, Donald Ogman, who then converted the cocaine into crack for sale. At times, BROWN also sold crack cocaine.
BROWN has been detained since his arrest on March 29, 2012. On March 11, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).
A total of 18 individuals were charged as a result of this investigation, and all have pleaded guilty. Ogman and several other defendants await sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets Task Force, which includes the New Haven, Hamden and Milford Police Departments, the Connecticut State Police and the State of Connecticut Department of Correction. The investigation has been assisted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Westerly (R.I.) Police Department.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan and H. Gordon Hall.
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[email protected]New Haven Drug Dealer Sentenced to More Than 5 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ANTHONY MOORE, also known as “Freak,” 33, of New Haven, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 63 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing crack and powder cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from “Operation Bloodline,” a joint law enforcement investigation targeting narcotics trafficking and gang violence in the Dwight-Kensington and Fair Haven sections of New Haven. Led by the DEA New Haven Task Force and the New Haven and Hamden Police Departments, the year-long investigation included the use of court-authorized wiretaps on numerous telephones, extensive physical surveillance, controlled purchases of narcotics, execution of search warrants, and seizures of narcotics and firearms. More than 100 individuals were charged as a result of the investigation.
MOORE was arrested on May 22, 2012, and is detained. On December 10, 2013, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).
MOORE’s criminal history includes three prior felony drug convictions.
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, Branford, Ansonia and Meriden Police Departments. The United States Marshals Service, the Connecticut State Police, the Connecticut Department of Correction, Parole and Community Services and the Milford, Hartford, New Britain, North Branford and Stratford Police Departments provided valuable assistance to the investigation.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys S. Dave Vatti and Marc Silverman.
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[email protected]U.S. Coast Guard It Contractor Admits Stealing Personal Information from ComputersRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LARRY MATHEWS, 34, of Pawcatuck, Conn., waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford to stealing personal information from hundreds of computers and personal electronic devices that had been brought to him for repair.
According to court documents and statements made in court, MATHEWS was the proprietor of a computer repair business in Pawcatuck. Beginning in 2008, MATHEWS was also employed as a civilian contract employee for the U.S. Coast Guard as a computer “help desk” technician. On more than 250 occasions, for his own use, MATHEWS copied personal information and files from computers and personal electronic devices that had been brought to him for repair. The personal information and files included account names and passwords, and sexually-explicit photographs and videos.
The investigation has revealed that MATHEWS shared the stolen personal information with only one other individual, who reported the criminal activity to law enforcement in 2013.
MATHEWS pleaded guilty to one count of computer intrusion in furtherance of a tortious invasion of privacy. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on February 4, 2015, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a fine of up to $250,000.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edward Chang and Carolyn Ikari.
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[email protected]Florida Man Charged with Mailing Death Threats to Connecticut ResidentsRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that GARRETT SANTILLO, 35, recently residing in Hollywood, Fla., has been charged by indictment with mailing numerous threatening letters to individuals in Connecticut, including two federal judges and Connecticut’s governor.
On September 23, 2014, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned a nine-count indictment charging SANTILLO with writing and mailing threatening letters. SANTILLO, who has been detained since his arrest on September 29, 2014, appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford and entered a plea of not guilty to the charges.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, on July 15, 2014, a federal judge received a threatening letter at his Connecticut residence via the U.S. Postal Service. The letter was postmarked on July 11, 2014, from Miami, but did not bear a return address. The letter writer made certain demands and stated “You (sic) home addresses in Conn. are public information and if you mask your identity by name or appearance, we can still track you to wherever you go and will kill you if you don’t follow what this letter instructs.”
Following the judge’s receipt of the threatening letter, approximately 14 other individuals in Connecticut, including another federal judge and the governor of Connecticut, also received letters containing death threats. All of the letters were handwritten, were mailed from the Miami area to the victims’ home addresses in Connecticut, did not bear a return address, contained a demand for action and threatened death if the recipient failed to comply with the writer’s request.
The indictment charges SANTILLO with two counts of impeding, intimidating, influencing or retaliating against a federal judge by threats, which carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on each count, and seven counts of mailing threatening communications, one of which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and six of which carry a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.
U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Connecticut State Police, the Yale University Police Department and the Broward County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Department, with the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Dayton.
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[email protected]Bridgeport Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Murder ChargeRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TRUMAINE HEARST, also known as “Man,” 21, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to his involvement in the October 2012 murder of Dawayne Cobb in Bridgeport.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 10, 2012, at approximately 6:20 p.m., the body of Dawayne Cobb was discovered in the driver seat of an idling vehicle in the vicinity of 220 Sunshine Circle in Bridgeport. Cobb had gunshot wounds in his shoulder and abdomen.
In pleading guilty, HEARST admitted that on that date, he and Johnnie Jefferson, also known as “Jeezy,” planned to rob Cobb of marijuana. HEARST and Jefferson then drove to Sunshine Circle to meet Cobb, murdered him and stole from him a jar containing approximately two ounces of marijuana. HEARST and Jefferson transported the stolen marijuana to a Bridgeport residence and subsequently distributed it amongst themselves and others.
HEARST pleaded guilty to one count of causing the death of Dawayne Cobb through the use of a firearm, a charge that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of life. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea on February 4, 2015.
Jefferson, 24, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty to the same charge on November 3, 2014, and awaits sentencing.
HEARST and Jefferson have been detained since July 16, 2013.
This matter is being investigated by Bridgeport Police Department and the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tracy Dayton and Rahul Kale.
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[email protected]Woodbridge Man Convicted of Fraud to Serve Additional Prison Time for Violating Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOHN VOLOSHIN, 58, of Woodbridge, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to nine months of imprisonment for violating the terms and conditions of his federal supervised release.
On May 17, 2012, Judge Chatigny sentenced VOLOSHIN to 33 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for operating multiple fraud schemes that caused losses of more than $1.5 million to individuals and lenders. As part of the schemes, VOLOSHIN forged signatures and used fabricated bank account statements, tax returns, mortgage releases and loan applications. VOLOSHIN was released from prison on May 16, 2014, and began serving this three-year term of supervised release.
Shortly after his release from prison, in an attempt to gain permission from the U.S. Probation Office to travel to London, VOLOSHIN repeatedly lied to and misled his supervising probation officer by concocting a bogus job for a real estate concern in London. In furtherance of his ruse, VOLOSHIN submitted to the U.S. Probation Office a fake employment letter for a $250,000 job, enlisted the help of another individual to provide verbal and written verification of this fictitious job by posing as VOLOSHIN’s would-be boss, convinced a childhood friend to let him use his credit card to pay for a web hosting service in order to disguise the financial trail tying the payment back to VOLOSHIN, and created three fake websites for his bogus London-based employer, including a website that was pirated from a legitimate real estate firm in London.
VOLOSHIN has been detained since his arrest on September 9, 2014, for supervised release violations.
The matter was brought by the U.S. Probation Office and additional investigation was provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Huang.
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[email protected]Waterbury Pcp Dealer Sentenced to More Than 5 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SHAUN JAMES, 45, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 65 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing PCP.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 14, 2012, officers with the DEA’s New Haven Task Force conducted a court-authorized search of JAMES’s apartment on Pearl Lake Road in Waterbury, where they found several containers of liquid PCP and materials used to package the drug for distribution. Officers also recovered a loaded .44 caliber revolver, an additional box of ammunition and approximately $28,500 in cash. JAMES was arrested on that date.
JAMES has been detained since his arrest. On May 28, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of Phencyclidine (“PCP”).
The seized cash and firearm were forfeited.
This case was investigated by the DEA’s New Haven Task Force with the assistance of the Waterbury Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael E. Runowicz.
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[email protected]Middlebury Fire Chief Charged with Embezzling FundsRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that a federal grand jury sitting in New Haven has returned an indictment charging PAUL PERROTTI, 47, of Middlebury, with three counts of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds. PERROTTI is the Fire Chief for the Town of Middlebury.
PERROTTI was arrested this morning at his residence. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Holly B. Fitzsimmons in Bridgeport and was released on a $250,000 bond.
According to the indictment, PERROTTI has been the Fire Chief of the Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. (“MVFD”) since 1997. PERROTTI also is a licensed electrical contractor and, since approximately 2010, has operated Paul Perrotti Electric, LLC (“PPE”). The indictment alleges that between 2011 and 2013, PERROTTI used MVFD operating accounts to pay for unauthorized personal expenses and for expenses associated with PPE. These payments included checks paid directly to PERROTTI, checks paid directly to PPE, checks made directly payable to employees of PPE, checks made to various vendors of PPE for PPE-related supplies, and checks made to reimburse third parties for personal loans owed by PERROTTI. PERROTTI also submitted invoices to the Town of Middlebury for expenses that he falsely claimed were incurred by MVFD but, in fact, were expenses related to the business of PPE, including bills for various vendors of PPE.
The indictment further alleges that PERROTTI opened a Home Depot credit card account in the name of the MVFD and used it to purchase items related to his business, including electrical wires, breakers and wire. In addition, he used an MVFD debit card to withdraw cash for himself and to make purchases not related to the MVFD, including purchases for food and gas.
In total, it is alleged that PERROTTI embezzled more than $70,000 from the MVFD.
The charge of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Karwan.
The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in Bridgeport.
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Tom Carson
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[email protected]Fairfield Man Who Possessed Assault Weapon on Unh Campus Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WILLIAM DONG, 23, of Fairfield, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to transporting an assault weapon into Connecticut in violation of federal law.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in September 2013, DONG traveled to Pennsylvania, purchased a Bushmaster model XM-15-E2S, .223 caliber semi-automatic rifle and transported the rifle back to Connecticut. This firearm is considered a prohibited assault weapon under Connecticut state law.
On December 3, 2013, West Haven Police arrested DONG in the vicinity of the University of New Haven after he was found in possession of two handguns on his person, and the Bushmaster rifle, which was seized from his nearby car. DONG told police that he had purchased the rifle from a seller in Pennsylvania in September 2013 through an advertisement placed on www.armslist.com.
Although it is not unlawful under federal law for an individual, who is not a prohibited person, to possess this Bushmaster firearm, it is a federal violation for an individual to purchase this firearm outside of Connecticut and travel into the state with it, since it is a prohibited firearm under Connecticut state law.
DONG has been detained since his arrest. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford on January 29, 2015, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.
On October 17, 2014, DONG pleaded guilty in Milford Superior Court to state firearms offenses related to the December 2013 incident in West Haven.
This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, working together with the West Haven Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Spector.
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[email protected]Two Women Plead Guilty to Participating in Mortgage Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that two women involved in an extensive mortgage fraud scheme have pleaded guilty in Hartford federal court. Today, MALGORZATA KARAS-GOLKA, also known as “Margaret,” 46, of Newington, pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud related to the scheme and, on November 3, CARMELINDA MAROTTA, also known as “Linda,” 45, of Manchester, pleaded guilty to bank fraud, as well.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from approximately June 2005 to July 2010, Filippos Milios, KARAS-GOLKA, MAROTTA and others conspired to defraud banks and mortgage lenders in obtaining dozens of mortgages for the sale of properties owned by Milios, KARAS-GOLKA and others. The conspiracy involved the use of straw borrowers, false mortgage applications, false HUD-1 forms and fraudulent down payments in connection with the purchase of nearly 50 houses primarily located in Hartford, New Haven and Middlesex counties.
As part of the scheme, Milios purchased properties, either in his own name, in a limited liability corporation in which he had an interest, or with KARAS-GOLKA. Milios, MAROTTA and others then recruited borrowers to purchase these properties. Unbeknownst to the lenders who extended mortgages to the borrowers, Milios, MAROTTA, and KARAS-GOLKA submitted fraudulent documents in connection with the loan applications, including false HUD-1 forms, employment verification letters, and rental verification letters.
Milios made the down payments on behalf of the borrowers who were recruited to purchase the properties. Attorney Gabriel Serrano, who served as a closing attorney for most of the fraudulent transactions, often released the seller’s proceeds checks from a closing to Milios before receiving the down payment, and Milios used the seller’s proceeds checks to purchase the down payment check for the same transaction. Milios failed to disclose to mortgage lenders that he paid money to borrowers, mortgage brokers, and recruiters.
Many of the properties involved in the scheme ended up in foreclosure and lenders lost a total of approximately $5.6 million.
In pleading guilty, KARAS-GOLKA admitted that she was involved in nine fraudulent real estate transactions, and MAROTTA admitted that she was involved in three fraudulent transactions.
The charge of bank fraud carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years. Both MAROTTA and KARAS-GOLKA are scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson on January 30, 2015.
Milios and Serrano previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and bank fraud, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. They await sentencing.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the United States Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David T. Huang and William J. Nardini.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
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[email protected]Two Florida Men Admit Participating in Multimillion Drug Theft from Eli Lilly Warehouse in EnfieldRead the Press Release
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The United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut announced that two Florida residents pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to charges related to their participation in the theft of pharmaceuticals from an Eli Lilly Company warehouse and storage facility in Enfield, Conn. YOSMANY NUNEZ, also known as “El Gato,” 42, of Southwest Ranches, Fla., ALEXANDER MARQUEZ, 41, of Hialeah, Fla., each pleaded guilty to one count of transportation of stolen property.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in early 2010, NUNEZ, MARQUEZ, Amaury Villa, Amed Villa and another individual planned to steal pharmaceuticals from the Eli Lilly Company warehouse and storage facility in Enfield. The investigation revealed that, prior to the theft, NUNEZ and Amaury Villa traveled from the Miami area to Connecticut to gather information about the warehouse facility and the surrounding area. Shortly before the theft, Amed Villa and another individual traveled to Flushing, N.Y., where they purchased tools needed to break into the warehouse facility, and then traveled to Connecticut.
In the evening of March 13, 2010, individuals involved in the theft dropped off a ladder in the rear parking lot of the warehouse facility and left. That same night, MARQUEZ drove a tractor trailer to the facility. Thereafter, Amed Villa and Amaury Villa carried the ladder to the building, checked for security in the front area, climbed onto the roof, used tools to cut a hole in the facility roof, dropped down into the facility and disabled the alarm system. Amaury Villa, Amed Villa and NUNEZ then loaded more than 40 pallets of pharmaceuticals into the tractor trailer, which had been backed up to the loading dock of the warehouse.
The pallets of pharmaceuticals included thousands of boxes Zyprexa, Cymbalta, Prozac, Gemzar and other medicines, valued between $50 and $100 million.
The individuals who participated in the theft split up in Connecticut. MARQUEZ then drove the tractor trailer to Florida, where he subsequently reunited with Amaury Villa, Amed Villa and NUNEZ so the pharmaceuticals could be transferred from the tractor trailer into self-storage units in the Miami area.
On October 14, 2011, law enforcement authorities searched a storage facility in Florida and recovered pharmaceuticals that had been stolen from the Enfield warehouse.
NUNEZ and MARQUEZ, who are both citizens of Cuba, were arrested on April 17, 2014. NUNEZ is detained and Marquez is released on a $200,000 bond. They are scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arteron in February 2015, at which time each faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
Amaury Villa and Amed Villa have also pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Enfield Police Department, with the assistance of several other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and federal, state and local law enforcement agencies that have been investigating large-scale thefts of pharmaceuticals and other products.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anastasia E. King and Douglas P. Morabito.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
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[email protected]Trumbull Accountant Involved in Fraud Scheme Is SentencedRead the Press Release
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The United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut announced that THOMAS RAGONESE, 55, of Trumbull, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to three years of probation, the first six months of which RAGONESE must spend in home confinement on electronic monitoring, for participating in a scheme to defraud a Bridgeport-based residential property owner. He was also ordered to perform 60 hours of community service.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Anthony Testo and his business, ACT Builders, Inc., were contracted to serve as a property manager for an entity in Bridgeport that owned an apartment complex and several single and multi-family residences. Testo’s role as property manager included filling vacant rental units, setting rental amounts, collecting security deposits, collecting rent from tenants and depositing rental payments in the property owner’s bank account. Testo also was required to submit to the property owner a monthly “rent roll,” which was a spreadsheet showing the occupancy of the rental units, the rental amounts due and the rental payments collected from tenants. RAGONESE provided accounting services to Testo and ACT Builders. At Testo’s instruction, RAGONESE prepared the rent rolls.
From approximately January 2007 to August 2010, Testo and ACT Builders, with RAGONESE’s assistance, defrauded the property owner by submitting fraudulent rent rolls that misrepresented that certain rental units were vacant with no rent due when, in fact, the apartments were occupied and rent had been collected. The rent rolls also misrepresented that the rent due and collected for certain rental units was lower than the amount that was actually collected. Testo deposited rental income that was due to the property owner into both his personal bank account and the ACT Builders bank account.
Through this scheme, and also by submitting fraudulent subcontractor invoices to the property owner, Testo defrauded the defrauded the property owner of at least $275,000.
For the 2007 through 2010 tax years, RAGONESE prepared Testo’s federal tax returns, which failed to report the rental income that Testo kept for his own use and benefit. This resulted in a tax loss to the Internal Revenue Service of $71,795.
On July 17, 2014, RAGONESE pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and assisting the preparation and filing of a false tax return.
On June 20, 2014, Testo pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of assisting in the preparation and filing of a false tax return. Testo also admitted that he failed to report his fraudulent income on his 2007 through 2010 personal federal income tax returns. In addition, Act Builders pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
On November 3, 2014, Testo was sentenced to five months in community confinement (halfway house), followed by three years of supervised release, the first six months of which must be served in home confinement. He was also ordered to pay an $18,000 fine, $275,000 in restitution to the victim, and $71,795, plus penalties and interest, to the IRS. ACT Builders was sentenced to five years of probation.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Felice Duffy.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
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[email protected]Property Manager Who Defrauded Owner of Bridgeport Apartment Complex Is SentencedRead the Press Release
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The United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut announced that ANTHONY TESTO, 67, of Monroe, and his company, ACT Builders, Inc., were sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford for defrauding a Bridgeport-based residential property owner. TESTO was ordered to serve five months in community confinement (halfway house), followed by three years of supervised release, the first six months of which must be served in home confinement. He was also ordered to a pay a fine of $18,000. ACT Builders was sentenced to five years of probation.
According to court documents and statements made in court, TESTO and ACT Builders were contracted to serve as a property manager for an entity in Bridgeport that owned an apartment complex and several single and multi-family residences. TESTO’s role as property manager included filling vacant rental units, setting rental amounts, collecting security deposits, collecting rent from tenants and depositing rental payments in the property owner’s bank account. TESTO also was required to submit to the property owner a monthly “rent roll,” which was a spreadsheet showing the occupancy of the rental units, the rental amounts due and the rental payments collected from tenants. Thomas Ragonese provided accounting services to TESTO and ACT Builders. At TESTO’s instruction, Ragonese prepared the rent rolls.
From approximately January 2007 to August 2010, TESTO and ACT Builders, with Ragonese’s assistance, defrauded the property owner by submitting fraudulent rent rolls that misrepresented that certain rental units were vacant with no rent due when, in fact, the apartments were occupied and rent had been collected. The rent rolls also misrepresented that the rent due and collected for certain rental units was lower than the amount that was actually collected. TESTO deposited rental income that was due to the property owner into both his personal bank account and the ACT Builders bank account.
Through this scheme, and also by submitting fraudulent subcontractor invoices to the property owner, TESTO defrauded the property owner of at least $275,000.
In addition, for the 2007 through 2010 tax years, Ragonese prepared Testo’s federal tax returns, which failed to report the rental income that TESTO kept for his own use and benefit. This resulted in a tax loss to the Internal Revenue Service of $71,795.
As part of his sentence, TESTO was ordered to pay $275,000 in restitution to the victim, and $71,795, plus applicable penalties and interest, to the IRS.
On June 20, 2014, TESTO pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of assisting in the preparation and filing of a false tax return, and ACT Builders pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
On July 18, 2014, Ragonese, of Trumbull, pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and assisting the preparation and filing of a false tax return. He awaits sentencing.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Felice Duffy.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Former Norwalk Resident Admits Stealing $150,000 Through Investment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PATRICK CASTAGNA, 55, of Sarasota, Fla., formerly of Norwalk, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to one count of wire fraud stemming from an investment fraud scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in February 2011, CASTAGNA offered an individual a purported investment opportunity in a telecommunications company. The individual gave CASTAGNA $150,000 to invest based on CASTAGNA’s representations and wired $150,000 to a bank account controlled by CASTAGNA. CASTAGNA did not invest the money as promised, but rather used the money for his own personal expenses. Between February and September 2011, CASTAGNA made misrepresentations to the victim concerning the purported investment.
Judge Arterton scheduled sentencing for February 4, 2015, at which time CASTAGNA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher M. Mattei.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Bridgeport Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Murder ChargeRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOHNNIE JEFFERSON, also known as “Jeezy,” 24, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to his involvement in the October 2012 murder of Dawayne Cobb in Bridgeport.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 10, 2012, at approximately 6:20 p.m., the body of Dawayne Cobb was discovered in the driver seat of an idling vehicle in the vicinity of 220 Sunshine Circle in Bridgeport. Cobb had gunshot wounds in his shoulder and abdomen.
In pleading guilty, JEFFERSON admitted that on that date, he and another individual planned to rob Cobb of marijuana. JEFFERSON and the other individual then drove to Sunshine Circle to meet Cobb, murdered him and stole from him a jar containing approximately two ounces of marijuana. JEFFERSON and the other individual transported the stolen marijuana to a Bridgeport residence and subsequently distributed it amongst themselves and others.
JEFFERSON pleaded guilty to one count of causing the death of Dawayne Cobb through the use of a firearm, a charge that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of life. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea on January 27, 2015.
This matter is being investigated by Bridgeport Police Department and the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tracy Dayton and Rahul Kale.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
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[email protected]New Haven Man Pleads Guilty to Marriage Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SYED NAQSHBAND, 33, of New Haven, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas P. Smith in Hartford to one count of conspiracy to commit marriage fraud.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between July and August 2013, NAQSHBAND persuaded a female friend, who is a U.S. citizen, to travel with him to Pakistan and marry his nephew so that the nephew, a citizen of Pakistan, could enter the U.S. NAQSHBAND offered to help pay the woman's travel expenses and assured her she would not have to live with his nephew once they returned to the U.S.
The scheme was disrupted just before the planned travel, when the woman, accompanied by NAQSHBAND, applied for a U.S. Passport and the U.S. Passport Office alerted the FBI of certain suspicious observations.
NAQSHBAND faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a fine of up to $250,000 when he is sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant. A sentencing date is not yet scheduled.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Joint Terrorism Task Force, the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, the U.S. Passport Office, Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service’s Office of Fraud Detection and National Security. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Henry K. Kopel.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]New Haven Man Admits Role in Seymour Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that DANIEL HAMLETT, JR., 28, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to participating in the robbery of a Seymour bank last year.
HAMLETT JR. pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting bank robbery, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Judge Thompson scheduled sentencing for January 23, 2015.
On April 9, 2013, an individual wearing a mask and brandishing a black handgun entered the Webster Bank on New Haven Road in Seymour, ordered everyone to get on the floor, jumped over the teller counter and forcibly took $5,594 in cash from two teller drawers. He then jumped back over the teller counter and walked out of the front door of the bank. In pleading guilty, HAMLETT JR. admitted that he entered the bank shortly before the robbery and thereafter was in telephone contact with his father, Daniel W. Hamlett, Sr. After the robbery, HAMLETT JR. picked up Hamlett Sr. in his father’s red Toyota Prius and eluded law enforcement.
On March 13, 2014, a grand jury returned an indictment charging HAMLETT JR. and Hamlett Sr. in connection with this bank robbery. HAMLETT JR. was arrested on March 14, 2014, and his trial was scheduled to begin on November 3, 2014.
Daniel W. Hamlett, Sr. is being sought by law enforcement, and the FBI is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to his arrest. Citizens with information concerning this case can contact the New Haven Division of the FBI at (203) 777-6311.
As to Hamlett Sr., U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the FBI and the Seymour Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney’s Douglas P. Morabito and Sarala V. Nagala.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
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[email protected]New York Man Guilty of Role in Extortion SchemeRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal jury in Hartford jury has found EDWARD MEMOLI, 65, of Unadilla, N.Y., guilty of federal extortion charges.According to the evidence at trial, between approximately September 2010 and December 2011, MEMOLI conspired with Joseph Casolo of Norwalk to extort money from a small-business owner in Fairfield County by impersonating organized crime figures. Casolo threatened the victim in person, in phone conversations and in text messages using multiple personas, repeatedly stating or implying that if the victim failed to make the extortion payments, the victim, the victim’s spouse, and the victim’s daughter would be harmed with violence. Casolo enlisted the assistance of MEMOLI who identified himself as “Lorenzo,” the organized crime family’s “enforcer,” and made at least 20 threatening calls to the victim at Casolo’s direction. At the time, MEMOLI was living in Greenville, South Carolina.
MEMOLI specifically threatened to cause the business owner’s daughter, who was pregnant, to have a miscarriage.
The investigation revealed that the victim made more than $200,000 in cash payments to Casolo as a result of these threats. Casolo shared a portion of these funds with MEMOLI by sending them to him via Western Union money transfer.
Casolo and MEMOLI also targeted another Fairfield County resident for extortion. Posing as “Lorenzo,” MEMOLI called the victim both on his cellular telephone and at his place of work, and made veiled threats to the victim’s wife and two children.
Law enforcement learned of Casolo and MEMOLI only after information regarding their extortion scheme came to light on a court-authorized wiretap investigating organized crime activity in Fairfield County.
MEMOLI was found guilty today of one count of conspiracy to obstruct interstate commerce by extortion, and one count of aiding and abetting the obstruction of interstate commerce by extortion, both of which carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on January 20, 2015.
Casolo pleaded guilty to one count of extortion and, on October 24, 2013, he was sentenced to 57 months of imprisonment.
This matter was investigated by the FBI Fairfield County Organized Crime Task Force and the Stamford Police Department, with the assistance of the FBI’s Binghamton Field Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Chen and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Rombeau.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
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[email protected]Florida Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Stalking, Attempting to Injure Victim with Acid-filled BombsRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M, Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that FRANK MENDOZA, 53, formerly of Jacksonville, Fla., was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for stalking a Connecticut woman and planting hydrochloric acid-filled bottle bombs in her car.
“This lengthy prison term will help to protect a woman who was abused, threatened and stalked by this defendant, and who nearly suffered a horrible, disfiguring injury at his hands,” stated U.S. Attorney Daly. “It also sends a message that domestic violence is intolerable and offenders will be appropriately punished and removed from society. Under the federal Violence Against Women Act, the Department of Justice is empowered with tools to prosecute domestic violence and stalking crimes. We commend the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Forces in Connecticut and Florida, and all of our partner investigative agencies who investigated this heinous crime in an effort to secure justice and provide safety for the victim.”
“Mr. Mendoza terrorized his victim and endangered both his victim and the community,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Ferrick. “As a result of a thorough investigation conducted by the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Connecticut State Police, the New Haven Police Department, the Stamford Police Department, the Stamford Fire Department and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Mr. Mendoza has been brought to justice. Civilized societies must have zero tolerance for criminals like Mendoza who terrorize not only their victims but the communities in which they reside.”
According to court documents and statements made in court, MENDOZA began a romantic relationship with a woman in Jacksonville, Fla, in 2008. MENDOZA then became emotionally and psychologically abusive toward the victim. The victim also learned that MENDOZA had a serious prior criminal history and claimed to be affiliated with a gang. She also observed MENDOZA carrying a firearm. MENDOZA’s abusive and threatening behavior caused the victim to attempt to end the relationship.
In approximately September 2010, as part of a ruse, the victim told MENDOZA that she was moving to Rhode Island for a work-related training program. The victim instead moved to Stamford, Conn. In October 2010, MENDOZA learned that the victim had moved to Connecticut and began to place numerous harassing and threatening phone calls to her, her friends and her work colleagues.
In early November 2010, MENDOZA traveled from Florida to Connecticut, visited the victim’s residence and place of work, and then returned to Florida. On December 8, 2010, MENDOZA flew from Florida to New York City, rented a car, drove to the victim’s Connecticut residence, and placed two, two-liter bottles in the victim’s car. The bottles contained hydrochloric acid and an aluminum foil wick.
At approximately 11:00 p.m. on December 8, 2010, the victim approached her car and observed that the car’s interior had been dampened by a liquid. She also observed a bottle on the driver’s side floor. When she picked the bottle up, it began to smoke and fizz. She then gently placed the bottle down and ran from the car. The bottle then exploded.
The investigation revealed that the first bottle had exploded before the victim had reached the car.
MENDOZA has been detained since his arrest in Jacksonville on August 17, 2012. On June 5, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of interstate stalking.
This matter was investigated by the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Forces in New Haven and Jacksonville, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Connecticut State Police, the New Haven Police Department, the Stamford Police Department, the Stamford Bomb Squad, the Stamford Fire Department and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Krishna Patel and Vanessa Richards.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
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[email protected]Federal and State Officials Promote Telephone Hotline for Reporting Election Fraud and Voting Rights AbusesRead the Press Release
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In an effort to ensure that the November 4, 2014 elections are administered fairly in every city and town in Connecticut, Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Michael J. Brandi, Executive Director of the Connecticut State Elections Enforcement Commission, Denise Merrill, Connecticut Secretary of the State, and Kevin T. Kane, Connecticut Chief State’s Attorney, today announced that a telephone hotline will be available for use by anyone who witnesses or experiences voting irregularities on Election Day.
The hotline will be staffed by the Connecticut State Elections Enforcement Commission (SEEC) during polling hours on Election Day. Anyone with knowledge of election fraud or voting rights abuses is encouraged to call 1-866-733-2463 (1-866-SEEC-INFO) to report suspected violations. The number is toll-free statewide. Individuals also can call the SEEC at 860-256-2940. The SEEC staff will answer questions, advise on complaint procedures and, if appropriate, request the assistance of state criminal or federal law enforcement authorities in the investigation and possible prosecution of the matter.
Citizens can also send an email to [email protected] to communicate with the SEEC and the Secretary of the State’s office on Election Day.
The SEEC is the primary elections investigative and civil enforcement authority in Connecticut. The Secretary of the State’s office is charged with overseeing all elections in Connecticut, which includes advising and assisting local Registrars of Voters and Town Clerks on their statutory responsibilities regarding administration of elections.
Federal law protects against crimes such as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
On Election Day, representatives of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI will be in direct contact with the SEEC, the Secretary of the State’s office and the office of the Chief State’s Attorney in order to receive any complaints of electoral corruption or civil rights violations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah P. Karwan has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer for the District of Connecticut. In that capacity, she is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
The FBI in Connecticut and across the country will have special agents available to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on Election Day. The local FBI field office in New Haven can be reached by the public at 203-777-6311. In addition, complaints about ballot access problems or discrimination can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Tom Carson
U.S. Attorney’s Office
203-821-3722William Aldenberg
Federal Bureau of Investigation
203-503-5200Kevin Ahern and William Smith
State Elections Enforcement Commission
860-256-2940Av Harris
Secretary of the State’s Office
860-509-6255Mark Dupuis
Office of the Chief State’s Attorney
860-258-5997Bridgeport Man Admits Operating Mail Fraud and Bank Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that DAYQUAN JACKSON, also known as “Quan” and “DaeDae,” 26, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and bank fraud in connection with a stolen check scheme.
According to court documents and statement made in court, JACKSON and others stole mail from residences in Fairfield County throughout 2013 and 2014 in order to obtain either blank checks or credit card “convenience checks.” JACKSON and others then used some of the stolen checks to purchase cars, motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles listed for sale on the Internet from unsuspecting victims in surrounding states. Some of the stolen checks also were provided to “runners” who deposited the checks into their bank accounts. JACKSON and others then withdrew the funds from the accounts.
Financial institutions and individual victims lost more than $120,000 as a result of this scheme.
Judge Arterton scheduled sentencing for March 5, 2015, at which time JACKSON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years and a fine of up to $1 million.
JACKSON was arrested on March 7, 2014. He currently is released on bond to the custody of an inpatient residential drug treatment facility.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with substantial assistance from the Connecticut Financial Fraud Task Force and the Greenwich, Fairfield, Wilton and Bridgeport Police Departments, as well as law enforcement in New Hampshire. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc Silverman and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
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[email protected]New Haven Man Charged with Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment yesterday charging JEROME T. WALKER, 27, of New Haven, with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
As alleged in court documents, on October 14, 2014, officers from the New Haven Police Department conducted a traffic stop of WALKER, who was driving with a suspended license, in the vicinity of Norton Street and Elm Street. After initially pulling over, WALKER accelerated from the scene at high rate of speed. A short time later, New Haven and Hamden Police officers found WALKER’s vehicle parked at a residence on Warner Street in Hamden. Officers then observed WALKER walking in front of the residence and he was placed under arrest. In the vicinity, officers found a duffel bag containing a Smith and Wesson .38 caliber revolver and set of car keys belonging to the vehicle that WALKER had been driving.
Prior to that date, it is alleged that WALKER had sustained multiple felony convictions. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
If convicted, WALKER faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000. He has been detained since his arrest.
U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the New Haven Police Department and the Hamden Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony Kaplan and Jennifer Laraia.
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[email protected]Hartford Man Sentenced to 90 Months for Possessing Drugs, Drug Packaging Materials and Stolen FirearmRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KARL ROYE, also known as “Eagle,” 23, of Hartford, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to 90 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the Hartford Police Department received information that ROYE was selling crack cocaine out of his Holcomb Street residence in Hartford and that he possessed handguns that he used to protect his drug operation. Investigators then made a controlled purchase of crack at ROYE’s residence.
On September 5, 2013, the Hartford Police Department’s Shooting Task Force and the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force executed a state search warrant at ROYE’s residence. As the search team approached the residence, ROYE drove from his house at a high rate of speed. Officers stopped ROYE at the end of the street and seized from him two cell phones and $640 in cash. A search of ROYE’s residence yielded approximately $2,000 in cash and a money counting machine, which were found in ROYE’s bedroom. Searchers also found two backpacks that were hidden above a tiled ceiling in the basement. The backpacks revealed quantities of crack cocaine and marijuana packaged for distribution, two digital scales, drug packaging materials, and a .38 caliber Smith & Wesson, Model 60, revolver.
A firearms trace on the weapon established that it had been reported to the Hartford Police Department in November 2012 as having been stolen from the residence of its owner.
ROYE has been detained since his arrest on September 5, 2013. On June 11, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack”), and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
ROYE’s criminal history includes an arrest by Hartford Police on October 8, 2009, after he was found in possession of four loaded handguns, a silencer and quantities of crack and marijuana.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Department. The FBI task force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John H. Durham.
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[email protected]Hartford Crack Dealer Sentenced to Four Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TYRONE CRUMP, also known as “KT,” 29, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 48 months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.
This matter stems from “Operation Vinefield,” a joint law enforcement investigation headed by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force targeting narcotics trafficking and gang violence in Hartford’s North End. As a result of the nine-month investigation, 38 individuals were charged with various offenses related to the distribution of crack cocaine and the unlawful possession and dealing of firearms in and around Hartford.
According to court documents and statements made in court, one of the main targets of the investigation was Dementrius Nave, a member of the AVE street gang with a lengthy criminal history. Court-authorized wiretaps of Nave’s phones, coordinated motor vehicle stops and seizures, and physical surveillance, confirmed that Nave and his associates, including CRUMP, conspired to distribute crack cocaine and other narcotics in Hartford’s Northeast neighborhood. CRUMP is a member of the AVE.
CRUMP’s criminal history includes convictions for multiple firearm offenses, theft of motor vehicles, fleeing police, possessing narcotics and smuggling contraband into a correctional facility.
CRUMP has been detained since his arrest on May 8, 2012. On November 12, 2013, he pleaded guilty to one count of using a telephone to facilitate the distribution of crack cocaine.
Nave also pleaded guilty and, on August 21, 2014, was sentenced to 15 years of imprisonment.
This matter has been investigated by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, the Connecticut State Police, the Hartford Police Department, and the Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
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[email protected]Controller of Greenwich Hedge Fund Charged with Embezzling MillionsRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that LAWRENCE J. HERZING, 45, of Greenwich, was arrested today on a federal criminal complaint alleging that he embezzled millions of dollars from the hedge fund where he was employed.
As alleged in the criminal complaint, HERZING was recently employed as the controller of Greenwich-based Contrarian Capital Management, L.L.C. On 32 occasions between 2004 and 2013, HERZING used his position to wire funds from his employer to accounts that he controlled. Two fraudulent wire transfers specifically alleged in the complaint totaled more than $2.4 million.
Following his arrest, HERZING appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel in Bridgeport and was released on a $5.6 million bond, $2.6 million of which will be secured by HERZING’s Greenwich residence.
The complaint charges HERZING with wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that a complaint is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Greenwich Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan Francis and Heather Cherry.
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[email protected]Citizen of Morocco Sentenced to 2 Years in Prison for Fabricating Refugee Application to Remain in U.S.Read the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that EL MEHDI SEMLALI FATHI, 27, a citizen of Morocco last residing in Bridgeport, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in new Haven to 24 months of imprisonment for fabricating a refugee application to remain in the U.S.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2008, FATHI was admitted to the United States after he obtained a student visa to study at Virginia International University. In February 2009, FATHI’s student visa status was terminated by the university after he failed all of his classes during the Fall 2008 semester and did not register for classes for the Spring 2009 semester. After his student visa status was terminated, FATHI failed to leave the U.S.
In December 2010, FATHI was detained in immigration custody as a result of an arrest in Virginia. While he was detained, he met an individual who explained refugee relief to him. In an effort to obtain refugee relief and remain in the U.S., FATHI reviewed certain country reports relating to Morocco and then prepared and filed, under penalty of perjury, a false refugee application (I-589), which included events he learned about in the country reports. FATHI’s false statements included a claim that he would be persecuted by the Kingdom of Morocco based on his membership in a particular social group and imputed political opinion, and that he was arrested twice in 2007 and persecuted by the Moroccan government.
In June 2011, an immigration judge in Virginia released FATHI on bond. FATHI then moved to Bridgeport and his immigration case was transferred to Connecticut. In September 2011, FATHI represented to an immigration judge in Hartford that all of the information on his I-589 application was accurate when he knew that all of the information in support of his refugee claim was materially false.
While his immigration proceedings were pending, FATHI traveled to California where he was arrested and subsequently placed in immigration custody. In January 2013, after his immigration proceedings were transferred to California, FATHI again falsely represented to an immigration judge in Adelanto, Calif., that his refugee application was true and accurate. In another hearing in August 2013, FATHI again committed perjury while testifying in support of his refugee application by stating that he was arrested and savagely beaten several times by the Moroccan authorities when, in fact, he was never arrested or persecuted by the Moroccan authorities, and that he attended a university in Marrakech during which he participated in demonstrations that caused him to be arrested by the Moroccan authorities when, in fact, he never attended any university in Marrakech.
In February 2014, during an interview with a federal agent, FATHI falsely claimed that Moroccan intelligence authorities had arrested him as part of a conspiracy with all of the other members of Jamaat Ansar El-Mehdi, a Moroccan based terrorist group that was dismantled by Moroccan security forces in 2006.
FATHI has been detained since his arrest on April 7, 2014. On July 24, 2014, he waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty to one count of perjury in an immigration matter.
FATHI has agreed to be deported at the conclusion of his prison term.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, which includes participants from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in New Haven, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Connecticut State Police, Bridgeport Police Department, Norwich Police Department and the New York Police Department. The HSI attaché office in Casablanca, Morocco, provided critical assistance to the investigation.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Krishna Patel and Stephen Reynolds.
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[email protected]New York Man Sentenced to More Than 5 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking OxycodoneRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that HARLAND FIELDS, 28, of the Bronx, N.Y., was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 66 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking oxycodone.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2012, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force began investigating an oxycodone trafficking operation headed by Nicholas Dyber of West Hartford. The investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of oxycodone, physical surveillance and the use of an undercover officer, revealed that Dyber was being supplied with bulk quantities of oxycodone by FIELDS and also Eduardo Garcia of Modesto, California. At times, Dyber paid Brian Vanderpool, of West Hartford, to travel to New York to pick up oxycodone from FIELDS and transport the pills to Dyber in Connecticut. Dyber distributed the pills he received from FIELDS and Garcia to customers and other Hartford-area distributors.
FIELDS has been detained since his arrest on October 11, 2013. On May 27, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5,000 oxycodone pills.
Dyber, Garcia and Vanderpool have also pleaded guilty. On August 21, 2014, Garcia was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment. Dyber and Vanderpool await sentencing.
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force, which includes personnel from the DEA and the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, Branford, Ansonia and Meriden Police Departments. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Caruso.
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[email protected]New London Man Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison for Selling Heroin, Violating Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut,announced that DANIEL SCOTT, 26, of New London, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 36 months of imprisonment for distributing heroin and for violating his supervised release from a previous federal conviction.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 19, 2010, Judge Arterton sentenced SCOTT to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for selling crack cocaine. He was released from prison in March 2013 and began serving his term of supervised release.
Approximately seven months after his release from prison, the New London Police Department received information that SCOTT was selling marijuana and heroin from his apartment on Shaw Street in New London. In November 2013, SCOTT sold marijuana to an individual working with law enforcement and, on December 30, 2013, SCOTT sold heroin to the same individual.
On January 15, 2014, a court-authorized search of SCOTT’s apartment revealed a quantity of heroin, drug packaging material, a cell phone and approximately $661 in cash. Also, a search of SCOTT’s rental vehicle revealed 2.6 grams of heroin packaged for distribution and two additional cell phones. SCOTT was arrested on that date.
SCOTT has been detained since his arrest. On June 23, 2014, he waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin.
This is SCOTT’s fourth felony drug conviction.
Judge Arterton sentenced SCOTT to 21 months of imprisonment for distributing heroin and 24 months of imprisonment, nine months concurrent, for violating the terms and conditions of his supervised release, for an effective sentence of 36 months of imprisonment. SCOTT was ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his release from prison.
This matter was investigated by the New London Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah P. Karwan.
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[email protected]New Haven Man Charged with Federal Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment today charging KAVON ROGERS, 27, of New Haven, with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
As alleged in the indictment and previously-filed court documents, on September 27, 2014, ROGERS was arrested by officers with the New Haven Police after he was found in possession of a stolen Smith and Wesson .380 caliber semiautomatic handgun. Prior to that date, ROGERS had sustained felony convictions.
It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
If convicted of the charge, ROGERS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000.
ROGERS has been detained since his arrest.
U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the New Haven Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Laraia and Anthony Kaplan.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
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[email protected]New Haven Man Sentenced to 57 Months in Federal Prison for Distributing CrackRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RICHARD MASON, 33, of New Haven, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Warren W. Eginton in Bridgeport to 57 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation conducted by the FBI New Haven Safe Streets Task Force, the New Haven Police Department and the Connecticut State Police into drug distribution and related violence allegedly being committed by members and associates of the Grape Street Crips in New Haven. During the investigation, MASON was identified over a court-authorized wiretap conducting narcotics transactions with Donald Ogman, who has been identified in court proceedings as the alleged leader of the Grape Street Crips. MASON regularly obtained quantities of crack Ogman and then sold the drug to customers in the Hill section of New Haven.
On April 9, 2012, a grand jury returned an indictment charging MASON and 17 other individuals with narcotics distribution and related offenses stemming from this investigation. Two additional individuals were later charged in the case.
All of the defendants have pleaded guilty. On March 21, 2014, MASON pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).
MASON has been detained since his arrest on April 11, 2012.
Ogman awaits sentencing.
This matter was investigated by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets Task Force, the New Haven, Hamden and Milford Police Departments, the Connecticut State Police and the State of Connecticut Department of Correction. The investigation has been assisted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Westerly (R.I.) Police Department.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan and H. Gordon Hall.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
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Tom Carson
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